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Gum health is rarely something people worry about until they notice their gums bleeding while brushing or flossing their teeth. You might dismiss it as normal, assuming you are brushing too hard or being too aggressive with flossing. However, healthy gums should never bleed. Not when you brush, not when you floss, not ever.
Bleeding is often an early warning sign of gum disease, indicating that bacteria have moved beneath the gumline and triggered an infection. Left untreated, this condition can eventually cost you your teeth. Don’t let that be your story. Let’s talk about scaling and root planing, a proven treatment that can stop gum disease and help protect your natural teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a two-part deep cleaning treatment designed to combat gum disease at its source.
Scaling involves the careful removal of plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. During this procedure, your dentist or hygienist uses specialised hand instruments or ultrasonic scalers to reach areas that routine dental cleanings cannot, particularly beneath the gums.
Root planing focuses on smoothing the rough surfaces of the tooth roots where bacteria are more likely to collect. By creating a clean, even root surface and removing infected material, this process allows the gums to heal and reattach more firmly to the teeth. Smoothing these areas also helps prevent future plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of ongoing infection.
While a routine dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from visible tooth surfaces, scaling and root planing go significantly deeper. The gumline is the area where plaque tends to accumulate most heavily, and because it sits so close to sensitive gum tissue, buildup here is a major trigger for gum disease. When bacteria move below the gumline, they can no longer be addressed by standard cleanings.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment designed to target these hidden deposits beneath the gums, removing the tartar responsible for infection and helping prevent further damage. Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health, but when gum disease has developed, a deep cleaning is exactly what is necessary to restore and protect the health of your gums and teeth.
Understanding the procedure helps ease anxiety and ensures you’re fully prepared for your appointment.
Before Treatment: A dentist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on the extent of treatment needed, the procedure may be completed in one visit or divided into multiple appointments, depending on how much work is necessary.
During Treatment: Using precise scaling instruments, your hygienist methodically removes deposits from tooth surfaces and roots. The ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations and water to break apart stubborn tartar, while hand instruments allow for detailed cleaning in difficult-to-reach areas. Root planing follows after that, smoothing the tooth roots to promote healing.
Treatment Duration: A typical scaling and root planing session lasts between one and two hours per quadrant of your mouth. The exact time depends on the severity of the buildup and the number of teeth being treated.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort following the procedure. It is normal for your gums to feel tender for a few days, and you may notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. These symptoms typically subside within a week as your gums heal.
To support optimal healing, follow these guidelines:
Following these steps will help your gums heal properly and improve the long-term success of your treatment.
Scaling and root planing are typically covered by dental insurance when deemed medically necessary for treating gum disease. Coverage levels vary by plan, but most insurance providers recognise this as a standard periodontal treatment.
Investing in this procedure early can save you significant costs associated with tooth loss, implants, or more complex periodontal surgery later.
We understand that dental procedures can raise concerns, and that’s completely normal. If you have any questions about the deep cleaning process or if you’re concerned about symptoms you’ve been experiencing, contact our team at GM Dental today. We provide thorough periodontal evaluations to determine whether scaling and root planning are necessary for your situation. During your visit, we’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment, explain your options clearly, and create a treatment plan for your needs.
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